Youth of Mumbai host first-ever ‘Virtual Talent-hunt’ for Gen Z, to make a difference to lives of the marginalized community post the Covid-19 pandemic

Mumbai: Misaal Concert, a virtual talent platform for youth globally, is aimed at touching the lives of millions of people who are severely affected by unemployment and poverty due to the pandemic, through the proceeds of the talent hunt. With the vision of ‘Each one for everyone – All of us for humanity’, this initiative aims to ease the impact the pandemic has brought on the marginalised communities across India. The initiative is led by Ananya Dalmia (a 17- year old student of Class XI) along with Rupsha Bandyopadhyay and Ahana Dalmia, students from Mumbai with a single focus of bringing the change they want to see. The proceeds of the virtual talent hunt will be donated to Magic Bus India Foundation to provide relief to the marginalised communities across India.

International Labor Organization (ILO) has estimated that globally more than 25 million jobs would be threatened due to the spread of coronavirus. It is estimated that four out of five people (81%) in the global workforce of 3.3 billion are currently affected by full or partial workplace closure. The situation is no different in India. According to the report of Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), only a little over one-fourth (27.7%) i.e. 285 million people of the total working-age population were working in the week after the lockdown. This shows that within the two-weeks of lockdown, 119 million workers have lost their jobs. This sudden loss of livelihood would be horrifying for them.

Misaal is a platform for singers, dancers, poets, and music maestros to participate and exhibit their talent through a safe online environment. The event is organised primarily for youngsters in the age group 6 to 18 years. Expert mentors will screen the entries and select a few high-quality talents for the finale. The selected few participants will be awarded a laptop, a one-year free premium subscription to Meritnation, and other surprise gifts.

“In the wake of this pandemic, Magic Bus has been working tirelessly in crisis zones across rural and urban India with a laser-sharp focus on restoring childhoods and livelihoods. We have received constant support from several corporates in providing relief to some of the most marginalised communities across India. This is the first time we have been supported by the youth to support the cause which makes ‘Project Misaal Concert’ very special for us as Magic Bus. Not every day do we witness the young population of India and across the globe, take an initiative to do their bit in easing the current crisis in the country. This only gives us at Magic Bus more confidence to push our limits,” said Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus.

“The pandemic that the world has been hit with, has challenged our existence in ways more than one. Health, livelihood, financial security, and education amongst many others have been severely hit. I strongly believe that it is in such trying times, the youth have to come together to do their bit. We have the power and potential to fight against any odds, and the current pandemic is no exception. Through this initiative, my dream is to make it possible and I believe we can do it only if we choose to work together. It is through such an endeavor that we can make a difference. All proceeds from Misaal will help Magic Bus provide ~57000 families with 1.8 crores meals across India. I urge our youth to join me towards this cause,” said Ananya Dalmia, Curator, Misaal Concert.

For those who wish to apply:

One can showcase their talent irrespective of language or art form within specified categories.

Step 1: Submission of Entries – Upload your videos before 12th July

Step 2: Screening – Our mentors will screen all entries and selected few will be invited to the Finale by 20th July

Step 3: Grand Finale – 1 Hour of performance by shortlisted performers on 25th July

Step 4: Build A Bright Future

Click here to participate

If you have any further questions on participation, click here.

For those who wish to donate can, click here:

· Participate in an individual capacity

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· Matching Donations

· Become a partner for the event.